More than any other city, Rome is made for exploration and for discovering hidden treasures. The best option for free-spirited roaming and getting to know Rome at your own pace is probably to rent a car. A car rental will give you the freedom to cruise in and around Rome to absorb its art, unique atmosphere, and beauty.
Car rental is particularly comfortable for travelling in small groups or for family travel, to make sure you obtain the best budget bargains available, refer to our onsite car rental service. We cooperate with the most reliable car rental companies, such as Hertz and Avis, to offer you the best experience possible.
- Tip: Book well in advance your transportation to ensure the car of your choice and avoid increased rates due to currency swings.
Rome Airport and Train Station Car Rentals
Arriving at either Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport, you will find a number of operating car rental offices.
Fiumicino Airport Car Rental
At Fiumicino Airport, all car rentals are located in Office Tower 2. Please follow the signs from Arrivals. Following is a list of operating agencies.
- Auto Europa +39 06 65017450
- Avis-Budget +39 06 65957885
- Europcar +39 06 65761211
- Hertz +39 06 65955842
- Locauto +39 06 65048215
- Maggiore +39 06 6501678
- Sixt +39 06 65953547
- RENT4U +39 06 659570613
Ciampino Airport Car Rental
Operating at Ciampino Airport are the following car rental companies. They are situated at the airport entrance, next to car parking lot P8 on Via Mameli.
- Auto Europa +39 06 79340689
- Avis-Budget +39 06 79340195
- Europcar +39 06 79340387
- Hertz +39 06 79340095
- Maggiore +39 06 79340368
- Sixt +39 06 79340802
- Locauto +39 06 65959475
- Goldcar +39 06 79340898
Termini Car Rental
Cross the road from Termini Central Station to Via Giolitti, where various car rental have offices; with the exception of Maggiore, which opens everyday from 8:00 to 23:00, the majority of car rentals are open on weekdays from 8:00 to 19-20:00, till 18:00 on Saturdays and closed Sunday afternoon. Principal operating car rentals are Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Auto Europa, Sixt, Targarent, Autorental, and Maggiore.
- Tip:Â Get a written confirmation number for your car rental and inform your company agent at the airport of your scheduled arrival. In case of delay, your car reservation will remain valid.
- Tip: Pick-up from the airport equals an increased rental cost because of premium station fees (surcharge). Bear in mind that the airport surcharge only applies to rental pick-up but does not apply if you return the car at the airport. You might consider picking up at a city location and returning the car to the airport when flying home.
Calculating The Real Cost of Your Car Rental
Most car rental rates generally include illimited mileage, third-party liability, and VAT(Value added tax).
It’s common practice for car rental companies to advertise basic car rates without including other necessary charges; in Italy, insurance CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and Theft Protection are both required by law and must be bought directly from a car rental agency.
Make sure you read and understand the rental agreement and ask for the final all-inclusive charge in advance of signing. Also, require a copy in English.
- Tip: CDW usually has a deductible in the 1000$ or more range. To reduce this to zero, you can choose to buy the Super CDW. Alternatively, ask your insurance whether they will cover this deductible.
Cheap Car Rental in Rome
If insurance and theft protection are mandatory, a great many other added fees are not. Fees pile up through fuel charges, car equipment such as GPS and infant car seats, road tax, additional drivers, and under or overage drivers. Consider if the extra is really necessary. Otherwise, save money and keep real costs low.
Automatic vs. Manual Transmission
The type of transmission the car has is also relevant to cost: automatic transmission may cost you up to an extra 50%, with manual transmission also ensuring better gas mileage.
- Tip: Do not accept prepaid fuel. If you return the car with leftover gas, you will not receive a refund. Also, refuse fill-up by car rental: you will be asked higher rates for the gas, and you will additionally be paying a refill charge.
Driver’s License
If coming from States, an IDP (International driver permit) is necessary to rent a car in Italy.
- Tip: Only the AAA or Nac (National auto club) offices are permitted by U.S. State Department to issue this document, do not buy online.
Rome Car Rentals Pick-up and Return Locations
Both pick-up and return of your car are crucial moments for your wallet:
At both times, conduct a thorough inspection of your car with your car rental company representative by your side, take photographs, and require written proof of the car’s conditions. Take care to notice general conditions such as any scratches, dents, etc., and the condition of tires. Also, start running your car for a couple of minutes and check if everything is functioning properly. Check for cleanliness.
- Tip: On returning your car, remember to check for any personal possessions and get written proof that the car has received no damage. Try not to fill up near the airport, as gas is more expensive, and get a receipt for the refill costs you have incurred.